GOVERNMENT has issued a circular directing that married couples working in the public service must not be not separated on account of transfers.

According to a circular from the Cabinet Office, Wednesday, this is targeted at addressing issues of broken families and low productivity, among others.

“Government has decided that married couples working within the public service, Judiciary and Local Government Service should not be separated on account of transfers. This is important in order to address issues of low productivity, broken families and also to uphold the existing national values and principles among others,” read the circular.

The circular invited affected couples to apply for possible transfers through relevant authorities for consideration so that they could reunite with their families.

“In view of the above, all Ministries, Provinces and Spending Agencies (MPSAs) are directed that transfers of officers in the public service do not separate family units henceforth. Addressees must advise the affected officers who are interested in re-uniting with their families to apply for possible transfers through their respective Service Commissions or relevant authorities for consideration,” read the circular.

“The applicants should adhere to the following conditions; (a) submit an application for a request for a transfer in accordance with the provisions of the Terms and Conditions of Service applicable on transfers by 28th February, 2022, (b) attach the following documents; (i) copy of conveyance of transfer to current workstation (where applicable), marriage certificate or evidence of marriage and, up-dated form of Vital Statistics, (c) evidence of the occupation and workstation of the spouse.”

And in a Facebook post, President Hakainde Hichilema said the government remained committed to fulfilling its party manifesto by ensuring that married couples were not separated due to transfers.

“Service to your country has so often come at the expense of time with your family. We believe that strong family relationships are the backbone of our society. For this reason, we are fulfilling our manifesto promise to ensure that married couples working within the civil service will not be separated due to transfers. We are reuniting families, rewarding hard work, and rebuilding our economy,” said President Hichilema